By HAROLD KELLER

Bill Mute, a friend of mine, gave me a sweat-shirt with the message, “Life with Christ is an endless hope. Life without Christ is a hopeless end.”

On Dec. 22, as I attended the funeral of my sister, Lillie, I concentrated on that message. I was thankful that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perist, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Lillie was only 63 years old. To say she was really different would be an understatement. Was she well-liked? I didn’t realize how much until I saw the amount of people that came to pay their last respects. One of her good friends from high school described her best when he told me that Lillie had a free spirit.

From the time she entered the hospital until her death was only seven days. I’m reminded that God gives us what we need when we need it. I’m so grateful that God gave the family those seven precious days.

Selfishly, I’m thankful because it gave me a chance to be serious with her those last few days. I needed that more than Lillie did, because we always struggled with our relationship. I understand now why we struggled. Lillie was real! She would tell you what she thought in a “New York second.” I had a problem with that.

The third day she was in the hospital we were alone in the room and I mentioned our differences – not anything major, just little, petty differences. “I hope you know that I love you and always did,” I said. She said, with a faint smile, “Yeah, and I love you, too.” Those few minutes were the most precious in all our years as brother and sister.

Lillie never lost her sense of humor, even though she was under 100 percent oxygen most of the time. The second day in ICU, every time there was a shift change, a staff member would ask her the same questions as the prior shift (name, date of birth, etc.). The third time was enough! She took off her oxygen mask and said, “Look, I can’t breathe, but I didn’t lose my mind!” She continued, with a twist of sarcasm, “Put all that information you have on a chart and tell everyone else to read it. I’m tired answering the same questions.”

A few days before Lillie passed away, being concerned, I asked her if she was afraid. “No,” she said. “You’re really not?” I asked. “No,” she answered. “Why? Am I supposed to be?” she shot back, as only Lillie could.

My younger sister, Judith, and Lillie were the best of friends. In fact, their relationship was the envy of many of their friends who had sisters and longed for that kind of friendship. They did everything together.

After the funeral, Judith said, “I don’t know what I’m going to do.” I’m sure Judith will be OK, because her memories of a special relationship with Lillie will be treasured as long as she lives.

The funeral reminded me that life is but a vapor – here for only a little while. I was convicted that I must straighten my relationships with all my loved ones.

Yes, life with Christ is an endless hope.

Now, the world welcomes a new year. On Dec. 21, God gave Lillie a new life. What a gift!

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.